Over the last several days, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated its recommendations for food manufacturers and food retailers during the COVID-19 public health emergency. While FDA continues to underscore that there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with the transmission of COVID-19, FDA as updated its recommendations based upon updated guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Social Distancing

FDA recommends that employees in processing facilities and retail food establishments employ social distancing and maintain approximately 6 feet from others, when possible. However, FDA recognizes that this may not be possible at all establishments. When it is impractical for employees in to maintain social distancing, FDA recommends that effective hygiene practices be maintained to reduce the chance of spreading the virus. However, FDA notes that solely maintaining social distancing without effective hygiene practices may not prevent the spread of this virus. FDA recommends that food facilities be vigilant in their hygiene practices, including frequent and proper hand-washing and routine cleaning of all surfaces.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The CDC has recommended the use of cloth face coverings when social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. FDA recommends that workers on farms, in food production, processing, and retail settings who do not wear facemasks as part of their jobs, consider the following:

• Maintain face covering in accordance with the FDA Model Food Code sections applicable to clean linens;
• Clean reusable face coverings before each daily use; and
• Follow CDC guidance on the use of face coverings, washing instructions, and how to make homemade face covers.

FDA also notes that the cloth face coverings recommended by the CDC are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators, as those are critical medical supplies that should be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders.

Further, FDA has not changed its recommendations for the use of handwashing and gloves for use in food service and retail food stores. Those entities are directed to follow the Food Code and avoid direct contact with ready-to-eat foods and food contact surfaces except within the limited exceptions outlined in the Food Code.